The Best Watering Holes in Frisco

Brandon Novara

2 years ago

As Frisco continues to grow in population and development, we see a lot of new bars, restaurants, and lounges that are opening to fill everyone’s appetite. From the big corporate places to the ma & pa dive bars, Frisco has options for any occasion.

If your ambition leans less to the foodie side and more toward an adult beverage, how about a list of the best places to quench your thirst? I took the “hard task” of going out and finding out which spots were most supreme and what they had to offer. It was a daunting task but someone had to do it. 😉

As I sat around a plotted my night, or nights I should say, I looked at the places I knew and the places I hadn’t yet visited and realized that you don’t have to go too far to find a good place for a cocktail, wine, or beer.

Vicini

Located at Warrren and the Dallas Tollway. Vicini is a American Italian Bar that offers a wide selection of menu items both on the food side and bar side.

The selection of “classic cocktails” was larger than I expected and showcased classic cocktails from the 1950’s and more. From the Pimms Cup and Old fashioned to the Gin Fizz and Negroni, there was something on the menu for everyone.

I looked at the wine options and was happy to see a wide selection of reds and whites as well as some bubbly with over 50 wines by the glass that range from American to the Italian large and small vineyards.

As far as bottled beer goes, they have the usual domestic choices but also Lakewood Brewing Company, Oskar Blues, and Ballast Point made the list. If you wanted a draft instead, Deep Ellum Brewing Company, Oak Highlands, or Community were a few options that caught my eye.

I asked the bartender when their Happy Hour was and he told me Monday to Saturday from OPEN – 7pm and handed me the Happy Hour Menu.

$5 Premiun Wells (yes, that might be confusing but included brands like New Amsterdam, Jim Beam, etc).

$5 Craft Cocktails such as a Moscow Mule, a Tom Collins, or an Old Fashioned to name a few.

25% off By-The-Glass wines

and 25% off Draught Selections.

A little different than some of the happy hours I have seen but a wide variety of choices. The bar was pretty full and the crowd was there for the drinks as well as the delectable appetizers before the dinner rush arrived.

Maybe not a typical spot to end the night on, but a for sure spot to go have a drink with savory Italian food and Happy Hour. This is a great location for a date night, a group of friends getting together, or just an after work cocktail with a covered patio, small sofas in the waiting area, and plentiful bar seating.

MASH’D

Pineapple Bomb at Mash’d

Next on my journey, I made a trip to MASH’D to have some moonshine or whatever else sounded good.

First off, I would have to say that MASH’D delivers on a PRIMO patio. With fans for heat and heaters for when it’s cold outside, plus a nice greenery built-up barrier to help with the sound and sights of Preston road. The patio is a really nice place to relax and enjoy a drink.

Being known for it’s moonshine , MASH’D offers you several different ways to try some of the many flavors. You can order one of the 28 flavors or varieties on the rocks or straight up. If you want to sample a few, I’d suggest you order a Build Your Own Flight of four. What a great way to sample some before you commit to a whole drink or just share with friends!

If you’re not feeling the moonshine, you can grab one of their signature cocktails like a “Bootleg Mule” or a “Blue Moon Mojito” which has blueberry-infused moonshine, fresh lime, sugar, and mint. That was my choice of the afternoon. Don’t judge me… because I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

With a full selection of spirits as well as a strong selection of draft beers, MASH’D has a little something for everyone. Not to mention they often run different specials on featured cocktails, brunch drinks, or moonshine features.

Stan’s Main Street

Heading back toward Main Street, I made a stop at Stan’s. Stan’s Main Street recently celebrated its 2 year anniversary and is one of Frisco’s hidden local watering holes.

Residing in a house that is 100 years old, Stan’s offer a full menu of appetizers, burgers, and sandwiches to accompany your drinks. Each day of the week you can find a featured Happy Hour from Whiskey Wednesday to Margarita Friday’s, plus 3 flavors of Moscow Mules.

Stan’s’ also features Franconia’s “Rough Rider Red” on tap which is a special release that can only be found at the Dr. Pepper Ballpark, TUPP’s, and Deep Ellum Brewery available in a can year round.

Stan’s has a friendly and attentive staff who will not only remember your drink but remember you. So, if you’re looking to get away from the flashier spots, Stan’s will take you back to that hometown feel and the simple things we all love about a bar.

TruFire Kitchen & Bar

TruFire is a great place to have a Mediterranean style dinner, but it’s also the perfect spot for some after-dinner drinks. Hidden away in the corner at The Shops of Starwood, TruFire is a low lit perfect spot for a date, Girls Night Out, or just an after work drink.

Their Happy Hour runs from 3pm-6pm seven days a week which makes it a nice little place to stop by if you leave work a little early, or if you’re just starting out your night on the weekend. They also offer a covered patio area with heaters for some of those cooler nights we get.

The selection of red and whites by the glass really impressed me as usually the menu is limited to only a few options. If you’re feeling like a glass just won’t quite do the trick, the bottle selection is certain to have something for you.

TruFire also offers a nice selection of their signature martinis such as the “The House Martini” for all the classic lovers out there, or a “Mango Jam” made with tequila, fresh jalapeño, fresh mango, and lime juice. If it’s a Gin drink you are looking for, then try “The Gin’s Up” made with Hendrick’s gin, cucumber vodka, a fresh orange squeeze, cucumbers, and freshly sweetened lime juice.

TruFire also has a large selection of spirits and a variety of beers, but what makes this place is the level of service and the atmosphere. Combine that with a great crowd, food, and drinks, you’ve found a wonderful watering hole .

Salsa Tex Mex

At the southeast corner of Main and Teel, this Mexican place is a little hidden gem that’s right in front of you. Salsa Tex Mex is close to home and features an excellent list of cocktails and happy hour specials.

Happy Hour runs all day Sunday-Thursday and Friday 3pm-6pm. Some of the drinks that are featured are a House Frozen or a Rocks Margarita $3.00, House Wine $4.00, Mojito $4.00, and a Mango Mojito for $5.00. While all of them sounded and looked great, it’s really hard for me to pass up a $4 Mojito.

Recently, Salsa Tex Mex upgraded their patio- covered it and installed more seating. I would highly suggest this place if you want to avoid major crowds, but still enjoy great service and delicious drinks.

I clearly did not have enough time or money for Uber to go to all the great watering holes in Frisco. With all the new places opening up daily, plus the locations that have been a part of the fabric of Frisco for a while now, I look forward to going back for round two and keeping everyone informed on the what our city has to offer.